Medical Scientists

Career summary

Medical scientists conduct basic research to advance knowledge of living organisms. For example, they study things such as:

• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Cancer cells

Medical scientists also study ways to make the human body better able to fight disease.

Scientists who work in applied research use knowledge provided by basic research to develop new drugs and treatments.

Medical scientists plan their research design. They prepare samples according to the design of their study. Some studies analyze changes in cells that signal medical problems.

Other research investigates how to treat or prevent problems. For example, a study might look at the effects of a drug on bacteria or the effects of a drug on the tissues of laboratory animals. Some researchers perform clinical drug trials with humans.

Scientists in the field of biotechnology work with genetic material to find ways to treat or prevent disease.

Medical scientists write reports or articles to present their findings. They also make presentations at conferences. At universities, they write grants to request funding to continue their research.

Medical scientists also study reports of research done by other scientists in their field. They consult with doctors, educators, and other researchers about their medical findings. Scientists may teach medical principles and lab procedures to staff who help collect data. They may also supervise the duties of clerical, computer, or lab staff.

Scientists who work for government agencies confer with health departments, doctors, and others. Their goal is to develop policies to improve public health. In some cases, they oversee public health programs.

Related careers

This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Anthropologists
• Bioengineers
• Biologists
• Biomedical Engineers
• Conservation Scientists
• Dietitians
• Medical Laboratory Technicians
• Pharmacists
• University and College Teachers
• Veterinarians

Military careers

• Life Scientists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to medical scientists.

• Conduct studies to investigate the causes of disease or develop methods for treatment.
• Plan research design, methods, and procedures for data collection.
• Oversee public health programs.
• Prepare samples to study cell structure, or to analyze bacteria or other organisms.
• Examine tissues, cells, or microorganisms, often using an electron microscope.
• Study effects of drugs and other substances on microorganisms or animals.
• Administer experimental drugs to patients as part of a study and monitor reactions.
• Use computers and statistical software to analyze data.
• Prepare written and oral reports of findings.
• Study research findings in the field.
• Consult with and advise doctors, researchers, and educators about medical applications of science.
• Teach medical principles and lab procedures to doctors, residents, students, and technicians.
• Supervise duties of clerical, statistical, or laboratory staff.
• Standardize dosages and procedures for manufacture of drugs.
• Confer with health department, doctors, and others to develop standards and procedures to improve public health.

Common work activities

Medical scientists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Analyze data or information
• Process information
• Use computers
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Document and record information
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Think creatively
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Develop goals and strategies
• Teach others
• Evaluate information against standards
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Develop and build teams
• Coach others
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Schedule work and activities
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, medical scientists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are responsible for the work outcomes of technical staff.
• Have a medium level of social contact. They work directly with staff, research subjects, doctors, and other professionals.
• Communicate by telephone, e-mail, and in person on a daily basis. They also write letters and memos, but less frequently.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of patients and laboratory staff.
• Almost always work as part of a team of researchers.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by assistants.

Physical work conditions

• Nearly always work indoors.
• Are sometimes exposed to diseases or infections. There is a low likelihood of moderate injury when safety procedures are followed.
• May share the same work space with other scientists and assistants.
• Sometimes wear a special uniform such as a lab coat.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could result in serious health hazards for laboratory staff.
• Make decisions that affect others on a monthly basis. They rarely consult another before deciding a course of action.
• Set nearly all their daily tasks and goals independently.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere where weekly and monthly deadlines must be met.
• Repeat the same mental and physical activities.

Hours/travel

• Usually work regular hours.
• Most work full time, about 40 hours per week.
• Generally work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Medical scientists frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for medical scientists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for medical scientists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

Skills and abilities

Medical scientists need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.

Work with things

• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Anatomy
• Biochemistry
• Biomedical Sciences, General
• Biometrics and Biostatistics
• Biophysics
• Cancer and Oncology Biology
• Cell Biology
• Epidemiology
• Immunology
• Medicine
• Molecular Biology
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology

Other programs of study to consider

• Biopsychology
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Health
• Genetics
• Gerontology
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology
• Pathology and Experimental Pathology
• Physiology
• Virology

Training

To work as a medical scientist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree;
• complete a doctoral degree (PhD) in medical science; and
• complete a degree in medicine (MD) if you want to treat patients.

Education after high school

Most medical scientists have a doctoral degree (PhD) in medical science. In this program you study medical problems and diseases. To treat patients, you must also have a medical degree (MD). You need a doctoral degree to lead research projects or teach at a college or university.

A master's degree in biology may be all you need for jobs in research. Research assistants often have only a bachelor's degree. Most colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in biology. Many also offer advanced degrees in life science or medicine.

Work experience

After completing a doctoral degree, some medical scientists work as postdoctoral fellows (postdocs). These university positions last for several years. Postdocs get experience working with other scientists. This research can lead to a teaching or research job at a university.

Military training

The military does not provide initial training in this field. However, the military may provide work experience to medical scientists who have a master's degree or higher.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Medical scientists need a strong background in science and math. Try to take science classes through Physics and math classes through Trigonometry.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Computer Applications
• Food and Nutrition
• Introduction to Health Care

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers in research settings prefer to hire medical scientists with both a doctoral degree (PhD) and a medical degree (MD). Experience in postdoctoral research positions is also preferred. In some institutions, a postdoctoral job can lead to a permanent job.

Costs to workers

Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Licensing/certification

Medical scientists typically do not need to be licensed. However, scientists who administer drugs, gene therapy, or practice medicine on patients in clinical trials or a private practice need a license to practice as a physician. See the Family and General Practitioners occupation in WOIS for more information.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Epidemiologists 
• Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary widely by employer and area of the country. Wages may also vary depending on the scientist's education and professional reputation.

Benefits also vary by employer. Most full-time medical scientists receive typical benefits. These include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Research and testing companies
• Colleges and universities
• Drug manufacturers
• Hospitals

National outlook

Demand will be strong for this occupation. Much of the job growth for medical scientists is expected to come from increased medical research. The increase in the aging population increases the need for new pharmaceuticals and medical procedures. Funding for AIDS, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease research is predicted to grow.

Despite this growth, competition will be keen for basic research positions. Government grants will have a strong impact on future growth.

Other resources

American Association for Clinical Chemistry 
900 Seventh Street NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20001
800.892.1400
202.857.0717

American Association for the Advancement of Science 
1200 New York Ave, NW
Washington,DC20005

American Association of Anatomists 
6120 Executive Boulevard, Suite 725
Rockville, MD 20852
301.634.7910

American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists 
2107 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 700
Arlington, VA 22201
703.243.2800

American College of Medical Toxicology 
10645 N. Tatum Blvd Suite 200-111
Phoenix, AZ 85028

American Institute for Medical & Biological Engineering 
1400 I Street NW
Suite 235
Washington, DC 20006
202.496.9660

American Institute of Biological Sciences 
1800 Alexander Bell Drive, Suite 400
Reston, VA 20191
703.674.2500

American Medical Association 

American Medical Informatics Association 

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 
11200 Rockville Pike
Ste 302
Rockville, MD 20852-3110
240.283.6600

American Society for Cell Biology 

American Society for Microbiology Podcasts 

American Society for Virology 

Association for Molecular Pathology 
6120 Executive Blvd., Suite 700
Rockville, MD 20852

Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology 
1400 Crystal Drive, Suite 900
Arlington, VA 22202

Bioinformatics Organization 

Biophysical Society 
5515 Security Lane, Suite 1110
Rockville, MD 20852
240.290.5600

Genetics Education Center (University of Kansas Medical Center) 

Life Science Washington 
188 East Blaine Street
Suite 150
Seattle, WA 98102
206.456.9567

National Academy of Sciences Interviews 

Neuroscience for kids 

Parenteral Drug Association 
Bethesda Towers
4350 East West Highway, Suite 600
Bethesda, MD 20814

Science Careers 

Society for Neuroscience 
1121 14th Street NW, Suite 1010
Washington, DC 20005

The American Physiological Society 
9650 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20814
301.634.7164

The American Society of Human Genetics 
6120 Executive Blvd., Suite 500
Rockville, MD 20852
301.634.7300

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair 

References

Career cluster

• Health Science

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupations

• Epidemiologists (19-1041.00) 
• Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists (19-1042.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

DOT occupations

• Anatomist (041.061-010) 
• Environmental Epidemiologist (041.167-010) 
• Histopathologist (041.061-054) 
• Medical Coordinator, Pesticide Use (041.067-010) 
• Medical Physicist (079.021-014) 
• Parasitologist (041.061-070) 
• Pharmacologist (041.061-074) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Investigative/Artistic/Realistic
• Investigative/Realistic/Artistic
• Investigative/Social/Realistic

COPSystem

• Science Professional